Yudhajit in Tholpavakoothu by Rajeev Pulavar

This striking Tholpavakoothu crafted by Rajeev Pulavar represents Malyamanam, the wise yet scheming uncle of Ravana from the epic Ramayana. Malyamanam’s character is typically depicted as a cunning elder with a deep understanding of politics and warfare, and Pulavar brings this to life through intricate detailing and craftsmanship. The puppet’s rotund, imposing figure is dressed in a striped green and red garment, adorned with tiny white dots, each carefully perforated to create a mesmerizing pattern when illuminated. His face, with a long nose and sharp features, suggests an air of both wisdom and deceit, perfectly capturing Malyamanam's role as an advisor to Ravana, often guiding him with manipulative strategies.
This exquisite piece of leather puppetry by Rajeev Pulavar, an acclaimed master of traditional shadow puppetry art, captures the dynamic essence of Yudhajit, a warrior of ancient Indian epics. The intricate details on this handcrafted puppet are mesmerizing, with Yudhajit depicted in an arresting posture, his silhouette etched in dark leather. He is seated upon a chariot, his muscular form poised in a combat-ready stance, grasping a long spear that extends vertically, symbolic of his indomitable spirit. The figure is adorned with vibrant, hand-painted patterns, where red, green, and yellow hues interlace in concentric circles to form an ornate canopy over his head, invoking divine protection. The symmetrical design radiates harmony, with each segment meticulously perforated to create intricate patterns that allow light to play through, animating the figure during the performance. His powerful limbs, sturdy and battle-hardened, are accented with golden armlets and anklets, adding a regal touch to his martial prowess. The chariot, portrayed with black horses and wheels, grounds him in movement, ready to charge into battle. The art form’s vibrant colors and striking detail echo the narrative grandeur of epic storytelling, while the precision of its craftsmanship embodies the timeless legacy of India's shadow puppetry tradition, keeping history and culture alive in its leather-bound forms.

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All artworks on the website are hand painted from scratch by our master artists. This makes every artwork absolutely unique and the actual colour and overall artwork may vary slightly from the artwork image posted here.